Radiotherapy for angiosarcoma. A case of angiosarcoma showing effective Dermopan irradiation for prolonging life.

We reported a case of 92-year-old woman with angiosarcoma of the scalp.She noticed a small ulcer on the left temporal scalp two month ago. Dark purpura has been gradually expanded around it. The lesion was diagnosed in another hospital as angiosarcoma. Although she was proposed that it should be totally removed or underwent immunotheraphy, she rejected them because of her old age, and preferred radiotherapy. So she was referred to us for the treatment.At the first visit to us, a palm-sized, dark purpura with a bean-sized ulcer easily bleeding by stimulation in the center was seen on her left temporal scalp. The whole body investigation demonstrated no evidence of metastasis.We started the treatment with Dermopan X-ray unit step III-IV (43-50kV) every weekday. The radiosensitivity of the tumor was very high and it was almost diminished in size by a few months. However, local recurrence was seen shortly after suspension of radiation. Since half a year had passed up to bean-sized, metastatic tumor appeared on the face and the neck repeatedly, each of which had easily disappered with 2000-6000R's radiation. She died of geromarasmus two years after the clinical onset. Autopsy demonstrated noevidence of metastasis. It was indicated that radiation was effective to prevention of metastasis as well as diminusion of the lesion.